Vietnam and Japan to strengthen agricultural supply chain connectivity

The National Agricultural Extension Center, in collaboration with AEON TOPVALU Vietnam Co., Ltd., organized a seminar titled "Connecting Supply Chains and Meeting Market Demands" on the morning of November 22. During the seminar, the parties signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation.

Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for Vietnamese businesses, cooperatives, and farmers to engage with Japanese agricultural experts. It also served as a foundation to elevate Vietnam-Japan cooperation and trade relations to new heights.

An efficient supply chain will strengthen the connection between farmers, businesses, and distributors. Furthermore, it will enhance product value to meet the demands of both domestic and international markets. This goal requires close cooperation among stakeholders, with various initiatives ranging from the application of new technologies in production and preservation to the optimization of logistics systems and market access.

As part of the international integration process, high-quality standards, similar to those of Japan, have become a driving force for Vietnamese agricultural products to continuously improve and meet global consumer expectations. On the other hand, enhancing supply chain connectivity brings economic benefits, improves farmers' livelihoods, and establishes a strong brand for Vietnamese agricultural products on the global map.

Ambassador Ito Naoki (Embassy of Japan in Vietnam) noted that Vietnam and Japan share a 50-year history of diplomatic and multi-sectoral cooperation. He noted that despite the significant disparity between the Japanese and Vietnamese market sizes, Japan's agricultural workforce is rapidly shrinking and aging. This issue presents a significant opportunity for Vietnamese agricultural products to access and export to the Japanese market. Ambassador Ito expressed confidence that, with support from Japanese experts, Vietnam can become an agricultural powerhouse. 

Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director General of the International Cooperation Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), highlighted the increasing security in the relationship between Vietnam and Japan. Accordingly, bilateral cooperation between both countries has seen significant progress since 2014. However, the rate of Japanese agricultural investment in Vietnam remains relatively limited. Additionally, Japanese agriculture currently meets only 45% of its domestic consumption needs, which is a considerable opportunity for Vietnamese agricultural exports.

During the seminar, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Le Minh Hoan affirmed the crucial role of Japan's agricultural sector in Vietnam's development. The Minister expressed hope that stakeholders engaged in agricultural production in Vietnam can learn from and adopt the spirit and culture of Japanese farmers. He urged them to prioritize consumer health, uphold quality and brand reputation according to food safety standards, and enhance profitability.

With this signing ceremony and seminar, the Minister called on businesses, agricultural cooperatives, and farmers to commit to development and acquire knowledge from Japan, thereby elevating Vietnamese agricultural products on the global stage.